Everything is going according to plan for Gus Poyet and Sunderland so far in the League Cup final. They've been excellent, limiting Manchester City's opportunities while finding excellent chances on the counter. The Citizens have unsurprisingly controlled possession, but Vito Mannone hasn't been forced into much work, and Sunderland deserve their 1-0 halftime lead.
Sunderland vs. Manchester City: Halftime score 1-0, Fabio Borini has Black Cats on top
Things couldn’t be going any better for Sunderland in the League Cup final against Manchester City.
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Sunderland looked threatening in the opening 10 minutes leading up to their goal, which was scored by Liverpool loanee Fabio Borini. The move started deep in the Sunderland half when Fernandinho turned the ball over and Sebastian Larsson started a quick counter forward. Adam Johnson eventually found Borini, who held off Vincent Kompany and placed a brilliant narrow-angle finish past Costel Pantilimon.
Sergio Aguero has been excellent for City, but the players around him have been less than impressive. Samir Nasri had City's best chance to score in the 27th minute, but put his effort right into Mannone's hands. Edin Dzeko has also been fairly invisible, so don't be surprised if Alvaro Negredo makes an appearance early in the second half.
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